With sprinklings of snow on the upper parts of the mountain even into May, 2012/2013 has been an odd season in some respects. I'd say it has been a good one, though not a classic. Reading through the reports from November onwards, there have been ups and downs and I feel one of the things this season has been how it has kept cold in April and even now at the end of the season, especially after things seemed to warm up somewhat in March in many areas of Japan.

The ski lifts that remain open will be operating until the end of tomorrow, Monday 6th May.

After that, maintenance aside, the Ropeways all operate throughout the year in Zao and there's lots of hiking and of course onsen to enjoy. A good place to come and escape the heat of the summer as well.

As I need to be making my way from the area later today, this will be the last Zao Now post of the season.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading the reports from Zao each day this season. Hope even more that you were able to get to Zao and enjoyed it.

The Zao Now reports will be back later in the year when things start to get cooler after the summer.